An Exciting New Era for Independent Film Festivals

“Change comes from the next gen of filmmakers, from putting something out there that could fail gloriously, but just might change someone’s life.” Cine International Film Festival Co-founder, Ben Charles Edwards.

On the 7th May, on a balmy spring evening, setting the scene here… Our Sales Director Melanie & Sales & Marketing Manager Oli attended the opening night of the Cine International Film Festival, launched in collaboration with Dreamtown Entertainment and Goldfinch—the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning production company. Set to be London’s cultural hub for bold, visionary cinema, this is a festival by filmmakers, for filmmakers and cinephiles alike. Celebrating storytelling beyond borders, CIFF sparks creativity, collaboration, and marks a new era for independent film festivals.

Debuting at the Curzon Cinema in Soho, this new and exciting festival champions British Independent films, while raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Goldfinch bursary that supports up and coming film makers.  EFX sponsored the event with their stunning and bold awards, Oli, our Sales & Marketing manager was honoured to be invited to their opening night in Soho and to see the premier screening of a film called ‘Savage Flowers’ – “It was a real pleasure to attend and sponsor the inaugural event. There was such a genuine sense of excitement and the passion of the organisers, film makers and everyone else involved was really evident. We’re super excited to watch the event as it grows and continues the great work that it’s doing both in the independent film industry and also for the worthy cause of The Teenage Cancer Trust.”

The event was also supported by various film stars such as Tamer Hassan and Sadie Frost, stars and filmmakers alike united for a march in support of indie cinema. The afterparty continued at Tamer Hassan’s hotel – Karma Sanctum in Soho.

The main award event happened on Saturday 10th May at Karma Sanctum Soho, audiences were set to see a stellar line up of innovative films, from major premieres to features by emerging filmmakers, along with thought-provoking documentaries and captivating shorts, with winning categories like ‘Dreamtown Innovation Award’, ‘Best International Feature Film’ and ‘Best Cinematography’.

Bold Awards for Bold Talent 

The awards were created from a free standing clear acrylic design, digitally printed in their branded hot pink on top and with an anodised and printed black plate on the base.

“We were absolutely thrilled with the stunning awards created by EFX for the 2025 Cine International Film Festival in London. The craftsmanship and creativity behind the design was nothing short of exceptional, they truly elevated the prestige of the event. Not only were the awards beautiful, but working with the EFX team was an absolute dream. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering on time made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. We can’t thank them enough and look forward to collaborating again in the future.”– Ben Charles Edwards. Dreamtown / Cine international co-founder 

Find out more about this trail blazing event for indie cinema here https://www.cineinternationalfilmfestival.com/